Water stuck in the drum means the drain path is blocked or the pump can't run — most often a clogged pump filter, a kinked drain hose, or an object jamming the drain pump.
To finish a cycle a washer drains, then spins. If it can't drain, it won't spin and you're left with a tub of water. The drain path runs from the tub through a pump and filter, out the drain hose to your standpipe — a blockage or pump fault anywhere stops it.
Check these in order. The first accounts for most cases.
Front-loaders have a coin trap / pump filter behind a small front panel. Coins, lint, and clips collect there and stop drainage. This is the first thing to check.
The drain hose can kink behind the machine or clog with lint and gunk, blocking flow even with a healthy pump.
A sock, coin, or underwire can lodge in the pump impeller. You'll often hear the pump hum or buzz without moving water.
A failed lid switch (top-load) stops the spin/drain step; excess HE detergent creates suds that prevent draining and trip a 'Sud' code.
Follow these in order. Stop as soon as the problem clears.
Unplug the washer. Have towels and a shallow pan ready — you'll release standing water.
Open the small panel at the lower front, place a pan beneath, and slowly unscrew the filter. Clear coins, lint, and debris, then reinstall snugly.
Pull the machine out and straighten any kink. Detach the hose and flush it; the outlet should sit 30–40 inches up the standpipe, not pushed deep into it.
With power off, access the pump and turn the impeller by hand to feel for a jam or broken vanes. A humming pump that won't move water needs replacement.
Run a short drain/spin with no detergent. On top-loaders, confirm the lid switch clicks when the lid closes — a dead switch blocks the drain/spin step.